“We make a mistake if we think the minister is acting independently regarding the labor world,” stated the secretary-general of the CGTP in an interview concerning the general strike scheduled for next Thursday in response to the government’s draft labor law revision.
“The minister is a government member, and the prime minister is fully aware of the labor package’s contents,” emphasized Tiago Oliveira, identifying Luís Montenegro as the main individual responsible for the “climate” surrounding the proposed labor law changes.
On the government’s negotiating stance around this draft project, the leader of CGTP claims that the “negotiating openness [by the executive] is a fabricated illusion,” as the government “does not abandon its main guidelines.”
Tiago Oliveira further noted that since the draft project was presented on July 24, CGTP had “two bilateral meetings” with the government and in “neither” of these “was any amendment proposal” made to the initial document, nor did the executive show willingness to embrace any proposal from this union center.
“The minister’s response was simple: our proposals are not being considered,” stated Tiago Oliveira.
Even though he signifies that CGTP has not received the new proposal sent by the government to UGT, which includes concessions on matters such as simplifying dismissals in medium-sized companies and flexible hours, Tiago Oliveira highlights that, based on the reports, the document, even in areas that showed some progress, does not weaken the key elements.”
Among the criticized measures by the CGTP leader is the extension of contract terms, which, according to the union center, “gives more tools to companies to hire precarious workers,” the revocation of the rule that imposes restrictions on outsourcing in case of dismissal, the return of individual time banks, which “disrupt work schedules,” or “preventing unions from entering workplaces,” he exemplified.
Despite reiterated criticisms from the minister, who said that CGTP has kept itself outside negotiations from the start, Tiago Oliveira assures that the union “does not forgo participating in any meeting it is called to” and is ready to “sit and discuss,” but issues a warning.
“We are not here to discuss how much we’re going to retreat on workers’ rights,” emphasized Tiago Oliveira, rejecting “the idea that CGTP doesn’t sign anything” and highlighting that in its over half a century of history “has signed eight agreements within Social Dialogue frameworks.”
The CGTP leader, therefore, appeals to the government to “withdraw this labor package proposal” from discussion, as it constitutes “a real assault on workers’ rights,” and advocates that the discussion should focus on “improving living and working conditions.”
Despite the criticisms, the Labor Minister has already stated that the government “is not willing to withdraw the entire proposal” and would like to maintain the “main guidelines,” although it remains open to dialogue. Palma Ramalho also stated that she “will not eternalize” the social dialogue negotiations but has decided to “give more time” to UGT.
The CGTP and UGT have decided to call a general strike for December 11 in response to the government’s draft law reforming labor legislation.
This will be the first stoppage to bring together the two union confederations since June 2013, when Portugal was under ‘troika’ intervention.
